BORDER TERRIER
Breed Group: Terrier
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 30.5 - 40 cms
Average Weight: 6 - 7 kgs
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 12 - 15 years
Colours: Grizzle & tan, blue & tan, red & wheaten (the latter very rare)
HISTORY
Originally used to accompany farmers and hunters on fox hunts to protect shepherd's flocks from predators. They ran with the fox hounds but lived in the homes with the family - so they tend to be both dog and people social.
They are often described as the 'calmest' of the terriers.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BORDER TERRIER
- They have an off switch
- They are smart, silly and fun
- They are a compact size and make great traveling companions
- They are happy to be by your side on adventures or at home
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They can become overexcited when prey are around (lizards, squirrels, foxes, etc).
- They need mental stimulation
- They can become demanding if their needs are not met
- Care should be taken if letting them run loose as their predatory instinct may make a reliable recall tricky
YOUR BORDER TERRIER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Your border terrier puppy loves to learn and will be looking to you for support, guidance, and structure. With the pup's favorite treats on hand, learning will be never ending!
Take this opportunity to teach your puppy that coming when called gets them a jackpot of rewards every time! This will help us, as humans, to compete with an exciting world filled with squirrels and other critters that our Border Terriers might want to chase.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Predatory behavior
- Obsessive behavior with toys or balls
- Barking, overall mischief
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Use caution around small animals
- Exercise brain and body with mental and physical exercise and stimulation
- Reward the dog for good behavior right away to be sure you're rewarding what you want repeated
- A sense of humour is required (that's yours, not the dog's ...)
UPBRINGING
If you don't like a dog filled with joy, this may not be the dog for you. Their silly antics will have you laughing regularly. While Border Terriers have lots of energy and are excellent adventure buddies, they can also rest politely at home once their needs have been met.
Your Border Terrier will love watching for squirrels, lizards or even small birds, and then giving chase. For this reason, it's important to use a lead or longline if there's a danger of your dog getting into trouble or dashing into oncoming traffic.
LIFESTYLE
Border Terriers are clever dogs and appreciate being invited to participate inn a variety of outings, such as training classes, hikes, visits to town and rides in the car. Excursions that allow for social interactions or time for sniffing and exploring often result in a dog happy to nap and relax for a while once they return home.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Exploring, running (or leaping!) looking for small critters, ball play and tug, all make Border Terriers very happy. They are excellent agility and scentwork competitors as well.
EDUCATION
They are fast learners but you'll need to treat every moment as a learning opportunity to stay one step ahead. Make sure you're the source of fun and excitement.
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